Amidst the escalating dispute over the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann extended an “open invitation” to Opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiromani Akali Dal, and Congress, on Sunday. He proposed a “live debate on all issues” as an alternative to the ongoing daily confrontations.
In response to this invitation, BJP state chief Sunil Jakhar questioned Chief Minister Mann’s previous actions before the Supreme Court regarding Punjab’s water.
Sunil Jakhar’s tweeted “Bhagwant Mann, we are always ready to debate every issue concerning Punjab. First, please explain under what pressure or political interests you appeared before the Supreme Court on the critical matter of Punjab’s water. Punjab awaits your response.”
Jakhar further expressed concerns about the newly appointed Advocate General’s enthusiasm for engaging in dialogue with other states rather than vigorously defending Punjab’s interests in court.
He further tweeted “By diluting Punjab’s well-established position on the SYL issue in the Supreme Court, the newly appointed Advocate General’s eagerness to engage in dialogue with other states, rather than legally defending Punjab’s interests, suggests that Sh. @BhagwantMann’s Government may be inclined to compromise our absolute water rights.”
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann extended an open invitation to opposition leaders, proposing a live debate on various issues, such as corruption, family connections, youth and farmer concerns, and canal water disputes.
Suggesting November 1 as “Punjab Day,” he aims for a constructive dialogue on critical matters facing the state. The SYL Canal dispute intensified following the Supreme Court’s criticism of the Punjab government for its inaction in canal construction.
The court stressed the need for cooperation from Punjab, directed the Centre to survey the allocated land, and explored mediation. The matter is set for further hearing in January 2024.